- spirit
- I UK [ˈspɪrɪt] / US
noun
Word forms "spirit":
singular spirit plural spirits
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1)a) [countable/uncountable] your attitude to life or to other peopleCompassion is only one aspect of the human spirit.
an adventurous/creative/independent spirit
b) [singular] the attitude of people in a groupa spirit of cooperation
You become aware of a powerful community spirit.
2) spirits[plural] your mood, or your attitudelift/raise someone's spirits:She tried singing to keep her spirits up.
high/good spirits:The bad weather did nothing to lift her spirits.
Dad's in high spirits today, isn't he?
3) [uncountable] an enthusiastic or determined attitudeShe was admired for her spirit and passion.
4) [uncountable] the general or real meaning of somethingEach country should honour the spirit of the treaty.
the spirit behind the words the author has written
See:letter5)a) [countable] the part of a person that many people believe continues to exist after deathHis spirit will always be with us.
b) a dead person who comes back into the world6) [countable] an imaginary creature with special powersevil spirits
7)a) [countable, usually plural] a strong alcoholic drink such as whisky or brandyb) [uncountable] alcohol used as a fuel or used by doctors for making things very clean•enter/get into the spirit of something
— to take part in something with enthusiasmEveryone entered into the spirit of things by wearing costumes.
if/when/as the spirit moves you
— used for saying that someone does something when they want to, rather than when they think they shouldAt these meetings, people stand up and speak as the spirit moves them.
the spirit is willing (but the flesh is weak)
— mainly spoken used for telling someone that you would like to do something but do not have the energy or strength to do itthe spirit of the times/age
— the ideas, beliefs, and style of a particular period of time
II UK [ˈspɪrɪt] / US verb [transitive]
Word forms "spirit":
present tense I/you/we/they spirit he/she/it spirits present participle spiriting past tense spirited past participle spiritedto take someone or something away suddenly but without being noticedProtesters were spirited away before they could cause a disruption.
English dictionary. 2014.
